On October 31, 2026, approximately 700 adolescents and young people took part in the second edition of the sports march for nutrition at the Banco National Park in Abidjan. This event was organized by the Network of Youth Organizations for Nutrition, Food, and Sustainable Development in Côte d'Ivoire (ROJNAD-CI) through the Fix My Food movement. The initiative aimed to promote physical activity and healthy eating to combat the growing issue of overweight and obesity among young people.
The event featured a collective Zumba session, a sports march through the Banco forest, and awareness-raising activities about the health risks associated with excess weight. Two routes were set up to accommodate participants with different physical abilities, encouraging everyone to join in. The theme of the event was "Let's move together: adolescents and young people say no to overweight and obesity!"
Dr. Patricia Yoboué N'goran, coordinator of the National Council for Food and Nutrition (CONANUT), emphasized that overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent. She encouraged the young participants to become ambassadors for promoting better eating and sports habits in their schools, families, and communities. Dr. N'goran highlighted the importance of nutrition in human capital development, aligning with the priorities of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030.
Dr. N'goran also advocated for the valorization of local foods, as opposed to the growing consumption of industrial products high in sugar, salt, and fat. She recommended a return to traditional, locally-sourced foods and encouraged regular physical activity. According to her, it is essential to adopt a balanced lifestyle, combining healthy eating with regular exercise.
Jean-François Basse, resident representative of UNICEF in Côte d'Ivoire, praised the initiative for placing young people at the forefront of prevention efforts. He noted that Côte d'Ivoire is facing an increase in cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and obesity. Basse emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state, UNICEF, youth organizations, and other stakeholders in promoting healthy lifestyles.
N'da Gnamien Ghislain, president of ROJNAD-CI, stated that this mobilization aligns with his organization's goal of supporting government efforts to combat all forms of malnutrition. He highlighted that overweight and obesity are no longer confined to developed countries but are also affecting developing nations, with significant consequences for young people's health.
The event aimed to make the participants "health ambassadors" responsible for spreading good eating practices and promoting an active lifestyle in their communities. The organizers hope that this initiative will contribute to a reduction in overweight and obesity among young people in Côte d'Ivoire. The collaboration between various stakeholders, including the government, UNICEF, and youth organizations, demonstrates a commitment to addressing this growing health concern.
Key points
- Around 700 young people participated in a sports march to promote physical activity and healthy eating in Côte d'Ivoire.
- The event aimed to raise awareness about the risks of overweight and obesity and promote better eating and sports habits among young people.
- The initiative was organized by the Network of Youth Organizations for Nutrition, Food, and Sustainable Development in Côte d'Ivoire (ROJNAD-CI) with support from UNICEF and other stakeholders.
